HOUSTON – Andre Johnson made history Thursday night as the retired star wide receiver became the first Texans player to be named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
NFL sources told KPRC 2 that Johnson has been selected.
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It was announced later by the NFL.
“Being selected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame means everything to me,” Johnson said in a statement. “I couldn’t have made it here without the support from my teammates, coaches, family and friends. When I first entered the NFL, I never thought about the idea of becoming a Pro Football Hall of Famer one day. I just wanted to be known as one of the best players to ever play the game, but now I get to go to football heaven, where I can enjoy the ultimate closure to my career.
“To the city of Houston, the Houston Texans organization and the fan base, thank you for embracing me and always showing me and my family love and support. I am so honored to be the first Texan to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and can’t wait to continue to represent this organization as they continue their success.”
Johnson will be inducted into the Hall this summer in Canton, Ohio.
Johnson, a seven-time Pro Bowl selection and a member of the Texans’ Ring of Honor, was a finalist each of the past three years.
The Hall of Fame selection committee revealed their 2024 Class at NFL Honors during the week leading up to Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas. Every candidate must receive at least 80 percent of the vote from the selection committee at the annual meeting before he can be elected.
“I’m so proud of Andre, who has always been a Hall of Fame person, friend, father and son in our eyes,” Texans co-founder and co-chair Janice McNair said in a statement. “Andre was a once-in-a-generation player who is at the heart of some of the most memorable moments in our team’s history, including his induction as the inaugural member of the Texans Ring of Honor. We are honored to have been a part of his journey and I know Bob would be overjoyed Andre is receiving this special, well-deserved recognition.”
Johnson played a dozen seasons for the Texans and 14 years overall, catching 1,062 career passes for 14,185 yards and 70 touchdowns. He’s a seven-time Pro Bowl selection and a four-time All-Pro
Johnson holds the Texans’ all-time records with 1,012 catches, 13,597 yards, 64 receiving touchdowns, and 51 100-yard games. He holds single-game records for most receptions (14), receiving yards (273), and receiving touchdowns (three) in a game.
Johnson attends several Texans games, During a press conference, he expressed confidence in the direction of the franchise under the leadership of coach DeMeco Ryans, his former teammate.
Following his final two seasons with the Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans, Johnson signed a one-day contract with the Texans that allowed him to retire as a member of the organization.
“I can’t think of anyone more deserving to be the Texans’ first Hall of Fame inductee than Andre Johnson,” Texans chair and CEO Cal McNair said. “Every time he took the field, we knew he was bringing an incomparable passion and intensity that was a joy to watch. His impact across our community is immeasurable and we are thrilled he has secured his rightful place in NFL history forever. Andre will always be a Texan and now, he is officially a Hall of Famer.”
Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com.